Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said on Monday that the Centre would introduce in the present session of Parliament the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. She was speaking after inaugurating the Sakhi One Stop Centre for women in distress, constructed at a cost of Rs. 37.5 lakh at Nittur.

She said the Bill, prepared after consultations with other ministries, State governments and experts, stresses on rehabilitation of victims. It is one of the best Bills on prevention of human trafficking in the world, she said.

The Sakhi One Stop Centres will be opened in Dharwad, Chamarajnagar, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Bagalkot, and Davangere in the State. Over 170 Sakhi One Stop have been started in different parts of the country since 2015.

Pramod Madhwaraj, Minister for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports, said all facilities and staff would be provided to this Sakhi Centre so that it can help women in distress.

Shobha Karandlaje, MP, said women in distress from any part of the State could call the Sakhi Centre on 181. Arrangements will be made to help or protect them and their children, she said.